Bryan Ferry – Avonmore

March 22, 2015

How on earth I missed this album in 2014 is beyond me. Rocky Music’s Avalon is in my hall of fame – one of my favorite albums of all time. Most of Roxy Music’s catalog has not resonated with me, but Avalon has touched my soul.

I am not sure how I stumbled upon Avonmore. It was about a month ago and it has been in constant rotation since. It has a similar groove as Avalon. A funky slow boil.

After a month I am giving it a proper listen via 180 gram vinyl.

The guitar playing is subtle but superb, led by the great Nile Rogers (Chic) and Johnny Marr (The Smiths). Long time Ferry/Roxy guitarist Neil Hubbard plays on all the cuts. In addition, the thick strings are manned primarily by Marcus Miller (Miles Davis).

There are plenty of great guests too: Flea, Mark Knopfler, Ronnie Spector and Maceo Parker.

This album would have for sure made my top 5 of 2014. This is like finding a long-lost sequel to a classic (Roxy’s Avalon).

Ferry is the master of the quite storm. If you like pristine production values, subtle British funk and great (but not flamboyant) guitar, you will love this LP.